NORTHERN LEAGUE FIRST DIVISION PLAY OFF SEMI FINAL
WHITLEY BAY 1 WEST AUCKLAND TOWN 3
Saturday 25th April 2026
Report by Harry Salkeld
After securing a ticket to St James Park on Tuesday, the Bay were back at Hillheads for a play-off semi-final against West Auckland. With a crowd of 733, there was a buzz of anticipation and excitement in the air. One change was made to the team that secured the Bay’s first Northumberland Senior Cup final in 13 years as Luca Shilling came in for Jack Errington.
The first effort of real significance come from a set piece as Kieran Aplin’s free kick went just wide of the near post. Minutes later, the visitors had their first opportunity after a ball that was played over the top, sent Craig Moody through on goal. Auckland’s number seven, oozing composure, buried the ball past Mauro Asikaogu. There was little that the Bay number 1 could do as he was left exposed with the long ball dissecting the defence.
The Bay were prompted to try and respond, and they nearly did after a passage of silky, smooth play from Mikel Thompson and Mackenzie Sharpe, forced a near-post save from Matty Cassap.
A drought of chances soon transpired for both sides but in the 35th minute Kanda and Livermore were causing carnage in the West Auckland box. The defence was able to stifle the opportunity and numbers in the box enabled a clearance, rather than any clear-cut opportunity to score.
The final chance of the first half fell to the Bay’s number nine, as Sharpe’s headed attempt at the back post went frustratingly just wide. The Bay went into the break trailing by a slim, one goal margin with a big 45 minutes ahead. It was an evenly balanced first half and it would be fair to say that the home support, were hopeful of a comeback.
After the fifteen-minute interval and a half-time change, which saw Callum Larmouth make way for Nathan Nkunku, the game was swiftly back underway. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t take long for the away side’s lead to be doubled as Graham Williams had the ball nicked inside the penalty area, providing Finley O’Gorman with goal at his mercy. West Auckland’s centre forward with ice in his veins buried the ball into the back of the net, securing a much-needed safety cushion for the travellers. The goal appeared to take a bit of the wind out of the players and fans, as it was easily avoided.
The Bay had it all to do now and Kieran Aplin’s second set piece attempt of the afternoon nearly pierced the top corner as the Bay faithful were on the edge of their seats. Minutes later, Cieran Jackson of West Auckland also had an attempt which looked destined for the roof of the net, but it curled marginally wide.
Jay Bates looked to his dugout for further inspiration as Robbie Christie and Alan Achuo came on with the objective of revitalising a comeback. The Bay were very much fighting for a goal however it was leaving them more exposed to the counterattack. Noticing this, West Auckland made a substitution bringing on Alfie Steel upfront, to try and expose this potential frailty.
That decision was soon showcased as Auckland hit the Bay on the counter attack resulting in Alfie Steel receiving a ball from the right, allowing him to stand alone as he converted the gifted opportunity from the centre of the box. This goal wrapped up the game and effectively confirmed the Bay’s status as a Northern League Division One side for the 2026/27 season.
With seconds left on the clock, Alfie Livermore provided one last moment in a memorable league season as he scored from close range. It was scant consolation, and congratulations to West Auckland Town, as they used their physical strength and organisation to their advantage on the day.
That was the last contribution of the game as the Bay’s league season came to an end. All of the players, management, volunteers and support, should feel proud of a campaign that resulted in a third-place finish. Rarely were the Bay outplayed and there were numerous moments of outstanding play throughout the season.
Despite the league season drawing to a close, we have one game of vast significance left to play on Tuesday 5th May as we take part in the Northumberland Senior Cup final at St James Park. Thank you for your support across the North-East this season and bring on St James.
WHITLEY BAY: Asikagu, Stewart, Aplin(Christie 63mins), Shilling, Scott, Williams(Achuo 58mins), Larmouth(Nkunku 46mins), Kanda, Sharpe(Errington 77mins), Thompson, Livermore
Substitute not used: Foster
Referee: Peter Leonard
Caution: Sharpe
Attendance: 733
Photos:http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcqweb/albums/72177720333304772
